Ingolf Schiefke, Department of Gastroenterology, University of Leipzig,
Germany; Gudrun Borte, Department of Radiology, University of Leipzig,
Germany; Manfred Wiese, Municipal Hospital 'St. Georg', Teaching Hospital
of the University of Leipzig, Germany, Eva Schenker, Department of Gastroenterology,
University of Leipzig, Germany

Several previous studies suggest that loss of bone mineral density is
common among patients with chronic liver diseases. We studied bone mineral
metabolism and density in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C without
cirrhosis.

chronic hepatitis B or C. Eight of the 29 osteopenic patients (28%) have
osteoporosis. The bone mineral density in chronic Hepatitis C patients
was more decreased in both locations compared with patients with chronic
hepatitis B. Serum and urine biochemical markers were within the normal
limits in both groups.

In summary, chronic hepatitis B or C in non-cirrhotic patients may induce
bone loss. In view of our results and according to previous studies, this
secondary effect of chronic hepatitis should be further investigated in
following studies with a larger number of included patients. Markers of
bone metabolism and bone mineral density might be used in monitoring these
patients to reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.

2002 EASL Conference (European Association for the Study of the Liver)